Bowling: Vics lead slashed to four points

Mar 5 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ON-FORM table toppers Victoria have slumped to defeat in one of the biggest upsets of the season in the Paisley and District Indoor Bowling Association First Division.

The Paisley high flyers were sent crashing to an unbelievable 8-0 whitewash at the hands of struggling JG Fleming.

And the defeat has opened the door to Inchinnan and they closed the gap, somewhat, on the leaders to just four points after they posted a 4-4 draw with Renfrew.

Meikleriggs experienced a frustrating week as the best they could muster was a 4-4 draw with Shanks, while Blacklandmill boosted their morale when they beat Woodlands 5-3.

The other noteable scores in the division saw Hawkhead defeat Inkerman 4-2, while Kilbarchan were sent spinning to a 6-2 defeat to Wellmeadow.

But the upsets continued in Division Two with leaders Anchor heading for an unexpected defeat.

They lost heavily 7-1 to Barrhead but thankfully for Anchor their nearest rivals, Johnstone, were idle, so the defeat is not too damaging.

Caledonia’s faint hopes are just about extinguished after they fought out a 4-4 draw with Crofthead, while Charleston and Linwood played out the same scoreline.

It was a good week for Neilston, though, and thanks to their 6-2 win over Midton they move up to fifth spot.

In Division Three things also took an unexpected twist with Ferguslie, the leaders, being held to a 4-4 draw with basement boys Bridge of Weir.

But Abercorn could not close the gap as they went down to a disappointing 6-2 defeat to struggling Lilybank.

Eaglesham’s title charge also hit the buffers when they drew 4-4 with Crookston, while Priorscroft enjoyed a hearty 6-2 win over the British Legion.

In Reserve League Division One it was normal service resumed with Renfrew marching to the title.

The ‘Frew kept up their good form with an important 4-2 win over Neilston in a battle of the top two.

As a result Renfrew extend their lead at the top to nine points.

Inchinnan A are up to third after they defeated Wellmeadow 4-2 and Blacklandmill move up a place thanks to a 4-2 win over Caledonia.

In Reserve League Division Two there is no change at the top as Charleston are still in charge.

The pacesetters took another step towards the title with a 4-2 win over Victoria and Ferguslie stayed on their heels with the same winning scoreline over Inchinnan B.

Elderslie Wallace are now up to third after they demolished Meikleriggs 6-0, while Inkerman will be frustrated with their 3-3 draw with struggling Barrhead.

Week 19 First Division results were: Hawkhead 6 Inkerman 2, Meikleriggs 4 Shanks 4, JG Fleming 8 Victoria 0, Blacklandmill 5 Woodlands 3, Inchinnan 4 Renfrew 4, Kilbarchan 2 Wellmeadow 6.

Division Two: Barrhead 7 Anchor 1, Nitshill 4 Elderslie Wallace 4, Crofthead 4 Caledonia 4, Charleston 4 Linwood 4, Neilston 6 Midton 2.

Division Three: Crookston 4 Eaglesham 4, Priorscroft 6 British Legion 2, Abercorn 2 Lilybank 6, Bridge of Weir 4 Ferguslie 4.

Reserve League Division One: Shanks 4 St Mirren 2, Wellmeadow 2 Inchinnan A 4, Renfrew 4 Neilston 2, Caledonia 2 Blacklandmill 4.

Reserve League Division Two: Elderslie Wallace 6 Meikleriggs 0, Inkerman 3 Barrhead 3, Ferguslie 4 Inchinnan B 2, Victoria 2 Charleston 4.

Week 20 First Division fixtures: Wellmeadow v Blacklandmill, Woodlands v JG Fleming, Victoria v Meikleriggs, Shanks v Hawkhead, Inkerman v Inchinnan, Renfrew v Kilbarchan.

Division Two: Midton v Charleston, Linwood v Crofthead, Caledonia v Nitshill, Elderslie Wallace v Barrhead, Anchor v Johnstone, Spateston v Neilston.

Division Three: Lilybank v Priorscroft, Ralston v Crookston, Eaglesham v Bridge of Weir, Ferguslie v Paisley Comrades.

Reserve League Division One: Neilston v Wellmeadow, Inchinnan A v Anchor, St Mirren v Caledonia, Blacklandmill v Woodlands.

Reserve League Division Two: Johnstone v Inkerman, Barrhead v Elderslie Wallace, Meikleriggs v Victoria, Charleston v Linwood.